Six-a-side cricket tourney for 10,000 of UAE’s workforce

By Rajive Singh

ABU DHABI 29 March 2019: The inaugural ‘Happiness Sim Cricket 6s’ competition gets underway today (Friday 27 March) at Zayed Cricket Stadium – thanks to Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (Mohre) and Du.

The tournament will host 50 teams made up from almost 30 Operative Villages across the UAE; this is the second workforce cricket competition to be held at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Qassim Jameel Majed from Mohre said: “There has been a lot of planning and input from so many entities ahead of this event, and the workforce of this incredible nation deserves this. We’re not only delighted to be offering such a tournament, but also delighted to further grow our relationship with Du and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Furthermore, we would also like to thank Abu Dhabi Cricket, whom we worked closely with in the development and induction of the Tolerance Cup, which saw over 360 members of Operatives Villages participate in a thrilling two-month-long Twenty-20 cricket tournament.”

The ‘Happiness Sim Cricket Sixes’ tournament, will welcome cricketing icons as its Ambassadors, including Pakistani legend Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Speaking about being an Ambassador, ‘Inzi’ said: “The fantastic facilities here at Zayed Cricket Stadium are going to make this tournament one to remember for those competing. It’s going to be an exceptional experience for all involved and I’m delighted to be a part of this event in its first edition.

“I’d like to personally wish all those playing the best of luck – enjoy it and strive for glory!”

Matthew Boucher, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Cricket said: “This is a cracking concept from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation and du and we’re excited to be selected to host this competition. Alongside welcoming some of the world’s leading cricket teams to our stadium, it is equally important for us to host such community events and once again host our valued workforce at Abu Dhabi Cricket. I know that both Mohre and du have been working fervently to organize this exciting event, so I’d like to thank both these entities, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, for allowing us to be part of this important community occasion.”

After five weekends of competition, the winning five teams of each weekend tournament will go through to a ‘Final 5’ Grand Final, played under the floodlights at Zayed Cricket Stadium, just two days after International Workers’ Day (1st May) on Friday 3rd May.

As a UAE national company, Du is in gratitude to the UAE’s blue-collared worker community for their ongoing contribution to nation-building, and believes that initiatives which bring joy and brings the community together must be encouraged. It is a matter of delight for the company to support this exciting cricket tournament amidst cricketing legends in Abu Dhabi.